“…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness - …”

The Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1776 (Preamble)

Most of us cannot quote The Declaration of Independence (including myself), but most of us are familiar with the preamble, specifically - “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”   Our Independence is dependent upon our creator - God alone is the giver and sustainer of life.   Our Creator has not only given us life, but He has given us the free will to make our own choices, even to reject Him and our only Savior Jesus Christ.  Most of us want God’s blessings (“God Bless America”), but we reject His will for our lives by rejecting His Word.  We search and pursue many things to be happy, but only true and lasting happiness comes from knowing God in a personal way, through His Son Jesus.  Jesus came that you “may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly.”   God is not the great “Joy killer!”

He desires you to prosper (not referring to the false doctrine of prosperity gospel) and to be happy.  Jeremiah says, “ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” 

(cf. Jeremiah 29:11)   1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds us, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”   John writes, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (cf. 3 John 1:2)

If you and I are blessed to grow old, or when we experience death in our family we realize that true happiness comes not in packages, but in relationships.   That is why John said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 

(3 John 1:4)   It is only when we walk in light of God’s truth that we can truly experience “Life, Liberty and Happiness.” - “Therefore, we do not lose heart.  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day…for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (cf. 2 Corinthians 2: 16)

In HIS Service,

Pastor Rodney